ELEVEN Arts Anime Studio has announced that they have acquired the license to Karakara-Kemuri’s Laughing Under the Clouds: Gaiden (Donten ni Warau: Gaiden) anime film series. A U.S. theatrical release of the first two parts of the film is scheduled for August 24! Both Part 1 and Part 2 will be screened with Japanese audio and English subtitles with Part 3 scheduled for sometime in 2019. Laughing Under the Clouds: Gaiden is produced by Wit Studio, the same studio behind shows such as Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) and Kotetsujou no Kabeneri (Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress).
Laughing Under the Clouds aired as a television anime from October to December 2014 and spanned 12 episodes. The television anime was produced by the studio Doga Kobo. The film picks up where the television anime left off and aims to balance the physical with the emotional. The film aims to update the Meiji Restoration period with a contemporary feel visiting emotions such as grief, sensitivity, depression, violence, and compassion.
ELEVEN ARTS Anime Studio describes the story of Laughing Under the Clouds: Gaiden as follows:
Gaiden picks up where the original series left off, in the wake of the Yamainu squad’s battle with the formidable Orochi serpent. Now that the Yamainu have vanquished their enemy and escorted all criminals to the local prison, government officials decide to outlaw swords – putting Japan’s great avengers out of a job. So now the Yamainu, all trained assassins, must pull together to find a new cause, one within their own group.
Although he ought to feel victorious, the Orochi took its toll on squad leader Tenka, the eldest of the Kumou brothers. Tenka’s paraplegic condition, rendering him unable to help his teammates in battle, leaves him with severe guilt and self-doubt. No longer threatened with possession by the Orochi, Tenka must reconcile with his own inner demons, and the squad must save him from himself.
Eventually, internal disputes will turn themselves inside out again, when a new enemy emerges from the shadows. The Fuuma ninja clan, who assassinated the Kumou parents years before, inches one step closer to their goal of reviving the Orochi, with the help of some surprising allies. Now the remaining Yamainu will find themselves back in employment.
A key visual for the film series was released which you can view below:
In addition, an exclusive dual trailer for the U.S. theatrical release was also provided which you can view below as well!
[videopress AnXEIHDy]
For more information on Laughing Under the Clouds: Gaiden, visit the official website at the following link: www.elevenarts.net/donten
